I mean, if you really don't want to take chances, just announce "Do NOT grope me!" and prove your point by double-karate chopping (tm Capt. James T. Kirk) the first mofo to get too close.

That's what I do.

as if you've EVER said Do Not Grope me. Whatev!

I'm having a sudden image of little rutabagas on necklaces that serve as indicators as to how enthusiastic people can get without warning.

I don't think it's as bad as all that. I think we're all pretty cool about who does/does not want to be groped or fondled or whatever.

This is the impression I have from my one F2F. I was only groped once that I can recall, and it had been invited. I think we mostly just use "grope" as shorthand.

am good one on one with strangers, I think

Yes, I think you are, too. (Insert lame joke about "no one's stranger than me!" here)

was there groping at The House on the Rock???)

Not that I recall.

Yeah, the more I hear about F2Fs, the more I think I wouldn't enjoy it. I don't really want to be groped by anyone, even my invisible online friends. I *am* an extrovert who likes big parties but all these stories of anxiety and groping kissing are making me wonder if I would would run screaming from an F2F.

You might not, but the groping and kissing are such a small part of it. As is, for me, the anxiety. As long as *I* know what *I* need, I'll make sure I get it - by way of slipping off for some alone or semi-alone time. The larger part is reconnecting in a tangible way these people I only get to exchange bytes and fonts with. You learn so much more about someone seeing their face light up when they talk about their kids or their job, or seeing their eyes burn when you talk about ex-FACs or ex-Bosses. Sharing a laugh with "Remember Dana's COW-irker?" or "Bwahahahaha! Muffaletta!" or "Take a picture of that for Jilli!" The groping and kissing is a huge pile of icing next to the empty cake plate I just cleaned off.

I'm having a sudden image of little rutabagas on necklaces that serve as indicators as to how enthusiastic people can get without warning.

Way snazzier than those stickers! But what would grope-friendly people wear?

Yes, I think you are, too. (Insert lame joke about "no one's stranger than me!" here)

awww you too!!!

But what would grope-friendly people wear?

Candy bras, of course!!

I don't think it's as bad as all that. I think we're all pretty cool about who does/does not want to be groped or fondled or whatever.

I'm big with the hugs and there have been plenty, but I never saw uninvited gropage at a F2F. Not gonna happen. The lovely part of going to the F2F, particularly the first time, is that you already know all the people attending, and often know a whole lot more about their personal boundaries than you do with people you see every day.

IF YOU HUG HER, SHE WILL EAT YOUR PANCREAS!!!

You know, at Mensa events they give everyone a little sticker to put on their name tag. You have 3 choices:

1. Hugs Welcome!
2. Ask First
3. No Hugs (or hugs with the circle/line symbol)

Lets everyone know where you stand. Kinda dorky, but it works.

See, I *knew* that with my penchant for melodramatic retellings, I'd make an F2F sound like Tailhook, and it is SO NOT.

No, not Tailhook. I guess I was just surprised to hear a few people talk about feeling overwhelmed or freaked out, especially when among friends. I would think that would be unusual so to have a few people say that, it just makes me wonder. That, plus the concerns over locking pictures from the F2F. Not that the fun atmosphere is bad, but maybe not for me.

The larger part is reconnecting in a tangible way these people I only get to exchange bytes and fonts with. You learn so much more about someone seeing their face light up when they talk about their kids or their job, or seeing their eyes burn when you talk about ex-FACs or ex-Bosses.

This part sounds like fun and is what I've always figured F2Fs were mostly about. Sometimes I think that age and parenthood have just made me serious and staid. Which is fine, I think.

eta: I thought I'd better add that my post came out sounding more serious than I intended.